What is the problem anyway? Lack of funding for several government obligations: the Retirement Fund, scholarships, medical referrals, government payroll, CUC, unpaid vendor bills, etc., etc. The government’s obligation to the Fund alone is almost $300 million. Scholarships, medical referrals and payroll are never ending liabilities whose costs will continue to increase.
But according to the casino camp, their “solution” will pay for all that — and more! Just to be clear here. They’re talking about a casino not the discovery of oil or gold or diamonds or Aladin’s lamp somewhere in the Northern Islands. They’re saying that a casino on island will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars each year. “Guarantee!” And we have to believe them because “we won’t know until we try it.”
This is like hearing your friend tell you that he “needs” a new house, a new car and a facelift but he can’t afford any of them so his “solution” is to cash his paycheck and head to the nearest poker arcade where he is “sure” to win thousands of dollars.
In the CNMI’s case, the “problem” that casino proponents claim they will “solve” is actually the consequence of the real problem, which is the government’s runaway spending and financial mismanagement.
The casinoistas are telling you that their “solution” will not only pay all of the government’s obligations, but will also allow it to continue splurging.
Based on how the real world works and operates, this is clearly delusional. I really don’t know how they can continue reciting their fairy tale with a straight face.
As I’ve said before, a Saipan casino will be just another business venture in a dead economy. It is likely to open in an existing establishment. It will, however, require the government to create a new agency, a gaming commission, whose members will get salaries, benefits and other perks, like off-island travels. They will also need an executive director, a legal counsel, office space, equipment and staff. Someone else, of course, will also have to pay for their utilities, Retirement Fund contributions and health insurance plans. That someone is you.
Remember what they said about poker machines once upon a time? That these were for tourists. Now they’re telling you that the Saipan casino, too, will be for tourists. Most likely “tourists” from Dandan, San Vicente, Kagman, Capital Hill, Tanapag, San Roque, Garapan, San Jose, CK, Susupe, San Antonio, Koblerville…
Too much papalatong already.
But certain politicians will, no doubt, benefit immediately once the casino opens in one of the hotels on island. They will receive “gifts” and other “tokens of appreciation” from the “new investors.” And there will be new government jobs to dole out to political supporters.
That’s how a casino will “solve” the CNMI’s problems. It is as if the casino proponents are saying that they can “revive” the commonwealth’s collapsed ponzi scheme by wiring your money to an accountant with the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission.
“Guarantee!”
Here’s the real solution (which has been mentioned repeatedly by letter writers and other concerned citizens over the years): the government must cut spending while protecting critical public services. The size of government must be reduced. Leaders should lead by example. Salaries and benefits of all officials must be cut. CUC and other public programs must be privatized. Find new ways to boost tourism and tap new investments that can thrive here. Government employees, for their part, should be encouraged to moonlight in the private sector and reminded of the available training and small business opportunities out there.
All this, however, requires leadership — not daydreaming.
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